McLeish verdict on Celtic pursuit of Postecoglou collapsing after Times update
Alex McLeish has suggested red tape should not stop Ange Postecoglou from being appointed Celtic manager.
The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 55-year-old would be a “left-field” appointment at Parkhead.
As revealed by Football Insider, the 55-year-old has requested to leave Yokohama F. Marinos after being offered the Celtic job over the weekend.
However, the Times report there are fears Postecoglou may not have the necessary Uefa qualifications to manage a club in a top European league.
It is said red tape could block a move if he has not passed the European governing body’s exams while managing in Asia.
Postecoglou currently manages Japanese outfit Yokohama F. Marinos.
However, a 10-month spell with Greek third-tier side Panachaiki is his only experience managing in Europe.
Despite this, McLeish insisted his experience in Australia and Asia would help him navigate the bureaucracy.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “He must have some great experience already in terms of qualifications for coaching diplomas, badges in his neck of the woods.
“It’s probably a Fifa-based one was or the Asian Football Confederation. It should be routine for him to go into the European coaching situation if he has to, if it is required.
“That’s why I’m saying it’s a left-field choice, Postecoglou. We would have expected to hear some names that we were really familiar with.
“I’m familiar with him because I study world football. However, after Eddie Howe as well, you would have been thinking another manager who’s been in top-level football in Europe and the UK.”
Postecoglou has managed South Melbourne, Panachaiki, Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and Yokohama at club level.
He has also been in charge of the Australia national side and youth teams.
In other news, Celtic plan to re-sign Fraser Forster mooted by well-connected pundit.